PCOS is a condition that affects 8-13% of women who are of reproductive age. Worldwide, up to 70% of affected women go misdiagnosed. In 2022, the prevalence of PCOS disease will range from 3.7% to 22.5%, predicts the Indian Fertility Society. The guideline procedure in 2023 confirmed that the prevalence of PCOS ranges from 10% to 13%. Early treatment is important for PCOS disease. In order to prevent complications and chronicity, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential. A delayed diagnosis could result in long-term problems. Many women still today choose to use Ayurveda to treat the signs and symptoms of PCOS. Ayurveda, an ancient holistic treatment system from India, is still widely used and practiced today.
What is PCOS Disease?
PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects women who are fertile. Excess amounts of androgen (male hormones) and irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles are two features that frequently characterize it. It is brought on by hormonal imbalance, which affects ovulation and the menstrual cycle. The ovary develops numerous new cysts as a result of the hormonal imbalance’s impact on follicular expansion. So, the condition is known as polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Some common symptoms of PCOS:
There are several common symptoms associated with PCOS. Some symptoms are visibly clear whereas there are such which are specific to people.
Ayurvedic Management for PCOS Disease
Although the Ayurvedic approach to treating PCOS might vary from practitioner to practitioner, it frequently entails the use of particular herbs, largely to keep hormone levels in check. The goal of individualized care is to cure the disease’s underlying cause and restore the body’s natural balance. Herbs, ayurvedic therapies, dietary adjustments, and a change in lifestyle are all part of ayurvedic treatment for PCOS.
Five PCOS Therapies
There are five therapies that are associated with the betterment of the PCOS patients:
Vamana
It utilizes ayurvedic herbs to induce toxin elimination through controlled vomiting. In addition to this, Vamana helps in hormone balance, increases fertility, and is crucial for long-term PCOS therapy.
Virechana
To get rid of all kinds of impurities, you eat herbal laxatives to boost the cleansing process. Vierchana is a successful treatment for irregular or heavy periods and other PCOS symptoms.
Vasti
One of the common PCOS therapies is Vasti that is most frequently recommended, includes a series of medication enemas spread out over a few days. It revitalizes and cleanses the reproductive system while easing PCOS symptoms.
Udvartana
Udvartana treatment involves massaging the entire body with herbal-based dry powder. Acne, a bothersome symptom of PCOS, can be reduced by this massage therapy.
Nasya
In the final step of the Panchakarma procedure, practitioners blow dry powders or herbs into the nostrils. Nasya treatment affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and helps reduce PCOS symptoms.
Lifestyle Modifications
1. Stay well hydrated- Drinking water throughout the day is extremely important for women with PCOS. The recommended daily intake of water is about 1.5 to 2 liters.
2. Regular exercise– Engage in routine activity for almost 45 minutes each day. Women with PCOS often experience sudden weight gain and elevated insulin levels as two of the negative effects. Exercises that are moderate in intensity, such as cycling, running, or walking, assist in preventing weight gain and controlling insulin levels.
3. Practice yoga- Yoga is a comprehensive medical practice that may calm your body and mind. In addition to reducing anxiety and regulating hormones, menstrual cycles, and other metabolic factors, yoga can help PCOS-afflicted women with stomach pain. Breathing exercises, or pranayama, lower stress and maintain mental clarity.
4. Dietary Tips– Ayurvedic foods recommended for PCOS patients include bitter melon and amla, which regulate blood sugar levels. tulsi (basil) with fenugreek leaves helps keep insulin levels stable Honey combined with lemon and water for weight management
5. Manage stress and anxiety– Women with PCOS have higher production of cortisol (stress hormones), and they are not able to metabolize them. Stress, anxiety, and sadness are caused by cortisol buildup. It’s crucial to control your stress by eating a balanced diet and following the aforementioned advice.
Ayurvedic Herbs Helpful for PCOS Disease
1. Cinnamon: It controls menstrual cycles and has an impact on insulin resistance, which aids in ovulation in PCOS women. The improvement of its insulin sensitivity may be a successful PCOS treatment method.
2. Ashwagandha: It balances cortisol levels to improve stress and PCOS symptoms. Ashwagandha powder helps to combat several PCOS-related symptoms such as fatigue, increased stamina, and decreased anxiety.
3. Turmeric: It reduces insulin resistance and acts as an anti-inflammatory. Turmeric is a promising drug for treating clinical and pathological problems related to PCOS since it has a wide range of biological actions.
4. Neem: A paste of neem and tulsi leaves, taken once every morning can help women reduce insulin resistance. It is an excellent blood purifier and aids in maintaining good skin. Neem is also used to treat acne and other skin conditions during PCOS.
5. Ashoka: It contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that restore endometrial health and control estrogen levels. In Ayurveda, people use the dried Ashoka bark and flower as a tonic for women with PCOS and uterine issues. Its stem bark treats all illnesses linked to the menstrual period.
Key Takeaway
In conclusion, Ayurvedic treatments provide a comprehensive and tried-and-true method of treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Ayurveda offers a holistic and individualized approach to treating PCOS’ underlying causes and symptoms, despite the fact that it can be a complicated and difficult condition. Ayurvedic practices can help you achieve greater hormonal balance, increased fertility, and improved general health. Ayurveda can help manage PCOS and promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle with time, effort, and advice from competent practitioners.